Baffling noise, help!

Flatulentoldgoat

I've been putting up with a bit of an annoying noise for at least the last couple of years in my NV200 van. It roughly comes from the direction of the front wheels, and is best described as a bit like a dentists drill. It's a sort of mild whining sound and it's very sporadic in nature. Usually left bends aggravate it, very much an on-off sound when it occurs. I've checked the power steering fluid (I believe it shares the same reservoir as the brake fluid) and looks well topped up. Stationary turning is fine, no noise or stiffness. The brakes aren't binding, the clutch seems to be fine as the sound seems to have no impact on what gear I'm in or if I'm even free wheeling. Doubtful if it's a wheel bearing as they usually make loud resonance and vibrations. It's a tricky one to reproduce and although I'm tempted to take it to a garage I'd imagine I'd be met with a blank stare, no fault code and £80 poorer. Any thoughts? It's driving me mad!

societys_child

Is the NV200 van front wheel drive? Sounds like a dry, or worn CV  (constant velocity) Joint. I could be wrong.

EdGasketTheSecond

left bends; free-wheeling makes no difference, implies load on the wheel bearing when cornering so I'd check that. You might not find it just by spinning the wheel though until it gets much worse.

AdrianC

Flatulentoldgoat said:

I've been putting up with a bit of an annoying noise for at least the last couple of years in my NV200 van. It roughly comes from the direction of the front wheels, and is best described as a bit like a dentists drill. It's a sort of mild whining sound and it's very sporadic in nature. Usually left bends aggravate it, very much an on-off sound when it occurs.

Wheel bearing. Clearly there's no play or roughness yet, because it'd have failed the MOT if there was, but that will come.

I've checked the power steering fluid (I believe it shares the same reservoir as the brake fluid)

No. Different fluid, different reservoirs. Clutch may well share the brake fluid reservoir, but PAS will be separate (assuming it's hydraulic not electric).

Stationary turning is fine, no noise or stiffness.

And that's when you'd notice low PAS fluid - you'd hear more of a whooshy-gurgle as the pump cavitates under high demand.

Jackmydad

Sounds like a wheel bearing to me as well. Last one I had that was on it's way out, you could feel it as much as hear it. Very slight vibration with the sound when you managed to find a smooth bit of road.

Hoof_Hearted

I had a long monotonous whine coming from the front. It only seems to be there when the wife is in the front seat.